At the centre of an unthinkable assault earlier this month, long-time Cronulla fan Eric Johnson this morning received a visit from Sharks back-rowers Anthony Tupou and Jayson Bukuya.
Johnson was attacked in the street outside his Oyster Bay home on July 10 and while he has been hospitalised since, remains in good spirits and edges ever closer to a return to health.
Unawares to the Sharks players visits, Johnson was overwhelmed when presented with a signed Cronulla jersey and a 2015 membership package. The 88-year-old said it was the first time he had been reduced to tears since he was 12-years-old.
Tupou and Bukuya spoke all things football with Johnson for near on half an hour and while having experienced injuries of their own this season, said that things were put into perspective when talking to the die-hard Sharks fan.
Although likely to remain in hospital for sometime due to suffering a shattered pelvis, Johnson told the boys that he can't wait to get back to his favourite drinking hole - the Como pub - to show off the gifts from the Club.
Despite being unable to attend the Sharks' next home fixture against the Cowboys in Round 22, Johnson will again be invited to attend a game at Remondis Stadium when fit and able.
The Cronulla Sharks Football Club extends its continued support to Eric Johnson and his family on the path to recovery.
We welcome 88yo fan Eric Johnson into the sheds at our next home game following his assault on Friday. Get well soon. pic.twitter.com/380Hlx7B03
— Cronulla Sharks FC (@Cronulla_Sharks) July 13, 2015
